Her Family Secrets

Regardless of whatever the rest of the review or the rating say, Her Family Secrets is the best book I've read that I almost DNFed (did not finish) twice in the first chapter. Overall, the novel is a solid thriller from a debut author, and I'm happy I did end up reading through to the end.

Two points of view run mostly parallel to each other throughout the book. Colin is a well-respected doctor putting in countless hours to help bring new lives into the world. Owen, I hope it isn't too much of a spoiler to say, does the opposite. Both characters have voices that are very distinct from each other, which is always a big sticking point for me.

Both dialogue and prose for the most part are strong as well. The description is visceral and cinematic enough to the point I could picture virtually every scene easily. Because I was so drawn into the story by the writing style, the few implausibilities or issues jumped out more. The medical procedures at the clinic are described at length and seem well-researched, but are inconsistent with other medical terms used, especially when it comes to fertility issues experienced by the main couple. So much time and effort at the start is put into making Colin's insane schedule seem believable, both work and his...tastes, but those constraints don't seem to mean much at for most of the novel. Stronger focus and pacing to support the brilliance of the writing style would do wonders in the next story.

Despite the title being “Her” secrets, the dueling points of view are both men. The work as a whole is also surprisingly male-centric even though both Colin and his missing wife work in labor and delivery. Women are seen in a very poor light throughout, and the marriage isn't really a loving one for reasons. The age gap, one that gets described a little late, and I was honestly surprised by, only seems to perpetuate some of the problems for me. The first of the near DNFs is because of a line that happens in the middle of a dinner party: “The image of their dead baby floating in his wife's uterus flashed abruptly in his head.” It's abrupt for the reader too. Even more so when framed with the context that these miscarriages and fertility issues are almost all about Colin and not his wife. He does end up showing a little clarity at points, but they are few, far between, and never lasting.

The title is definitely right about one thing. Her Family Secrets holds more than just one. Almost no one in the main cast of this novel is completely innocent by design, but readers will still likely find at least one character to root for.